History of Ping Pong

Published May 25, 2018

Ping Pong is one of the most popular sports played worldwide. This is one game, which can be played by the young and adults alike. It is played locally, in the clubs, sports centers and between two groups as well.

Just as all other sports, Ping Pong too had a humble beginning. It is known as a ‘parlor game’. This is one of those games which were completely open for anyone, who would have ball, a paddle and a table. The history of the game dates back to the 1980S. The game was played in the lawns and local clubs. It was soon played as a popular game of the sports enthusiasts and played indoors during the winter season.

The Person behind the Name Ping-Pong:

Ping Pong is actually the trademark name for table tennis and its associated equipment. The name was invented by J. Jaques and Son, which was a local firm. The game started in the early years of 1800s. The game soon was trademarked by the Park Brothers in United States. This was a board game. This is one game which started quite early and was picked up in the later years. It became a popular sport in a short time. Tournaments were being held in the next few years. It is known that more than 300 people participated in the game, when it started. In the year 1922, The Table Tennis Association was formed. This was previously known as the Ping Pong Association when it was initially developed.

Ping Pong in Japan

It was in the year 1902, when a famous Japanese University professor took this wonderful game to Japan. The game was soon introduced to the students in Japan. Later, Edward Shires who was a British salesman introduced this game in different countries like Budapest and Vienna. This is how the game started spreading in different countries across the world and started gaining popularity in a short time. In Britain, the game became quite popular and was played by the middle class populous. Soon, many leagues started developed in different areas which included Plymouth and Sunderland as well. In the year 1922, the famous club All England was formed. This club became much popular and produced several legendary names from the sports arena. In the later years, the Daily Mirror also sponsored one tournament. This tournament had the largest number of participants. There were more than 40,000 competitors playing the game at the time.

Birth of English Table Tennis Association

It was on April 24, 1927 that English Table Tennis Association was born. Ivor Montague who was the son of Lord Ewatthling was the chairman of the association. It is said, that he was actually the man or the architect behind the modern day game of table tennis. However, as it happens in all situations, he too was widely criticized. This was the time with the association had 19 leagues. Today, there are more than 300 leagues. There are more than 75000 registered players.

First World Championship:

It was in the year 1927, the first world championship was played. The game continued to be popular in the next few years. In the 1950S, the game witnessed a major change with the introduction of sandwich or a sponge rubber. This was considered to be a perfect new material suitable for bats. This is used all over the world even now. It is used to cover the pimpled rubber which tends to be a little uncomfortable at times.

Modern Days:

Table Tennis is now a well established game which is played all over the world. People, who are showing keen interest in the game are increasing in number. In the year 1988, Table Tennis was first played in the Olympic game. There was huge television coverage for the game. The men’s single game garnered a lot of interest from different corners of the world. More than two billion people across the world saw the game. The game continues to be played with keen interest all over the world. The craze and popularity of the game is expected to rise further in the next few years. Undoubtedly, this is becoming one of the most watched and played games of the world.